Oregon loses a recruit, keeps strong class
Oregon lost one big recruit due to the departure of Chip Kelly, but new coach Mark Helfrich kept most of his first recruiting class together and even made a couple late additions.
Four-star running back Dontre Wilson of Texas was one of the first players to verbally commit to Oregon, but he switched to Ohio State and said he changed his mind when Kelly left for the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, the rest of Oregon's commits stayed with the Ducks including running back Thomas Tyner, a five-star in-state recruit from Aloha High School who headlines the class.
Wide receiver Darren Carrington considered other schools after Kelly left, but signed with Oregon, and twins Tyree and Tyrell Robinson visited Washington before signing with Oregon.
Helfrich was hired on Jan. 20 and added offensive lineman Cameron Hunt, wide receiver Devon Allen, quarterback Damion Hobbs and running back Dani Benoit to the recruiting class.
Helfrich got a late addition to the class when linebacker Torrodney Prevot, who was previously committed to USC, made a late switch and picked Oregon over Texas A&M.
"Every signing day there is always some sort of uncertainty," Helfrich said. "I feel like the way we go about it, it always ends up like it should.
"We talk about our program, players, university, and city. We try to sell our deal."
Oregon went heavy on offensive linemen after not signing anyone at that position last year. Doug Brenner, Elijah George, Jake Pisarcik, Evan Voeller and Hunt will all play on the offensive line.
Prevot and Danny Mattingly signed as linebackers while Tyrell Robinson could also end up playing that position.
"I am very excited about this class," Helfrich said. "We addressed our two biggest needs coming in which was offensive line, where we signed five guys, and linebacker, where we signed three, and maybe another guy will end up playing linebacker too."
The recruit who could have the most immediate impact is Matt Wogan, a kicker from North Carolina who figures to compete for a job as a freshman after Oregon struggled with its kicking game last year.
TOP OF THE CLASS
RB Thomas Tyner (Aloha High in Beaverton, Ore.) -- The two-time state offensive player of the year is also the state record holder in the 100 meters, so he should be a perfect fit for Oregon's fast-paced offense. He ran for a state-record 3,415 yards in 11 games as a senior and set a state record with 643 yards and 10 touchdowns in one game. Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game.
TE John Mundt (Central Catholic High in Modesto, Calif.) -- At 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, Mundt had 33 catches for 625 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 80 tackles at defensive end. "He's a stud," Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. "He is fast and physical with great hands."
LB Torrodney Prevot (Alief Taylor High, Houston) -- The 6-3, 214-pounder is a four-star recruit who Oregon compares to Dion Jordan, an all-conference selection the last two years for the Ducks. Like Jordan, he could play linebacker or defensive end. Prevot committed to USC in July before switching to Oregon.
